India, China and Japan are major apparel export destinations for Bangladesh.The country’s garment exports to Japan are up 28.90 per cent year on year. The reasons for the continuous rise in garment exports to Japan are its China Plus One strategy adopted in 2008 and its zero-duty benefit to Bangladesh as a least developed country. Japan is keen to reduce its dependence on China. The China plus one policy promotes shifting of production from China to other nations such as Bangladesh. Currently, nearly 80 per cent of the demand for apparel by the Japanese is met by Chinese manufacturers. Similarly, garment exports to India are up 79.09 per cent year on year. Since 2011 Bangladesh has been enjoying duty-free benefits in India, which has prompted international retailers that have a presence in India to source directly from Bangladesh for their stores.

Garment exports from Bangladesh to China are up 29.33 per cent year on year. China, the largest garment supplier worldwide, has been turning into a major export destination for Bangladesh as it looks to shift to production of more sophisticated and heavy items. Furthermore, Bangladesh exporters enjoy duty-free access for 4,721 products including garments.

Asian markets are closer to Bangladesh geographically, which ensures shorter lead time – crucial in the era of fast fashion.